The Federal Reserve left its federal funds target range unchanged at 3.50%–3.75% at its March policy meeting, marking a second consecutive hold. The decision was near-unanimous, with eleven members voting to maintain rates and one in favour of a cut. The updated Summary of Economic Projections retained a median expectation of one rate cut in 2026, while forecasts for both inflation and GDP growth were revised higher. In his post-meeting press conference, Chair Jerome Powell highlighted elevated uncertainty around the economic outlook, pointing to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and the risk of an energy shock as key risks to inflation expectations.

 

Inflation concerns were reinforced by the latest producer price data, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a 0.7% increase in February, up from 0.5% in January and the highest monthly reading since July 2025. On an annual basis, PPI rose to 3.4% from 2.9%, with both measures exceeding consensus expectations.

 

U.S. equity markets ended the week lower amid a confluence of headwinds, including escalating geopolitical tensions, energy price volatility, persistent inflationary pressures, and a hawkish read of the Fed's latest policy guidance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was the weakest performer, falling 2.11%, while the Nasdaq Composite shed 2.07% and the S&P 500 declined 1.90%. Gold and silver also declined as expectations for rate cuts eased, with markets shifting towards a more restrictive policy outlook. Brent crude surged 8.24% over the week to close at $112.36 per barrel.

 

 

 

 

In Europe, the European Central Bank also held rates steady, with President Christine Lagarde noting that elevated oil and gas prices are expected to have a material impact on near-term inflation. The ECB revised its 2026 inflation forecast higher to 2.6%, from 1.9% previously.

 

 

 

 

The Bank of England maintained its policy rate at 3.75%, in line with expectations, while cautioning that a sustained energy shock could prove inflationary and may require tighter policy. Separately, the Prudential Regulation Authority outlined proposals to strengthen liquidity buffers and enhance banking sector resilience during periods of market stress.

 

European equity markets declined over the week, with sentiment weighed down by escalating Middle East tensions, including disruptions to energy infrastructure. The STOXX Europe 50 Index fell 3.77% in local currency terms, while the FTSE 100 declined 3.34%.

 

In Japan, the Bank of Japan held its policy rate at 0.75%, as expected, although the decision was not unanimous, with one member voting for a hike. The policy statement emphasised the need to monitor geopolitical developments, global market volatility, and oil price dynamics. While inflation may temporarily dip below the 2% target, the BoJ expects higher energy costs to support a rebound in price pressures and reiterated that further rate increases remain possible.

 

China's combined January and February activity data — published together to adjust for Lunar New Year distortions — came in modestly ahead of expectations, pointing to tentative stabilisation in economic momentum. Industrial production expanded 6.3% year on year, retail sales grew 2.8%, and fixed asset investment grew 1.8%, supported by infrastructure spend which continued to offset weakness in the property sector. The data reduced the likelihood of near-term, large-scale policy stimulus.

 

In Asia, the Nikkei 225 declined by 0.83% in a holiday-shortened week. Chinese equity markets also moved lower, with sentiment weighed down by higher energy costs and ongoing concerns around subdued domestic demand. The Shanghai Composite fell 3.38% in local currency terms, while the Hang Seng Index was relatively more resilient, declining by 0.82%.